Cooling fixture for solar photovoltaic panels

Abstract

The cooling fixture for solar photovoltaic panels has a hollow support platform made from thermally conductive metal that contains a heat exchange medium, preferably water. The solar photovoltaic panel is supported atop the platform so that heat absorbed by the panel is transferred to the platform by conduction and through the media by convection. The platform is pivotally supported on a base frame, and can be adjusted to any desired angle by a brace releasably engaging lugs projecting from the edge of the platform. The heat exchange medium is circulated from the top of the platform to the bottom of the platform by a thermo-siphon effect through at least one thin, rectangular duct having at least one fin for cooling the medium by heat exchange with air.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention generally relates to photovoltaic solar panel installations, and more particularly, to a cooling fixture for solar photovoltaic panels.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]Power generation from solar photovoltaic panels (“solar panels”) is a type of clean sustainable energy, since photovoltaic cells draw solar energy from the sun and convert the solar radiation into electricity. The direct conversion of solar radiation to electricity typically occurs without any moving parts or environmental emissions. The efficiency of photovoltaic cells, however, is influenced by the operating temperature. For example, once the temperature of the photovoltaic cells reaches 75° C., the efficiency of photovoltaic cells, in terms of electrical output, can be reduced by 50%.[0005]Not all wavelengths of the solar radiation are converted into electricity. Only solar radiation having wavelengths within a certain...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The cooling fixture effectively reduces the temperature of solar photovoltaic panels, enhancing their electrical output and reducing the cost per watt of electricity by efficiently dissipating heat, even in high-temperature environments.

Problems solved by technology

As the temperature of the solar panels increases, the amount of electricity produced typically decreases, thereby increasing the cost per watt of electricity.

This undesirable effect typically becomes more pronounced in regions where solar radiation and surrounding ambient temperature are high.

In some regions of the world, such as the Middle East, and especially in the summer months, e.g., in July and August, the temperature of solar panels can reach a temperature of about 72° C.; thereby significantly reducing the electricity output from these solar panels and increasing the cost per watt of electricity.

While a variety of methods, including active or passive cooling, utilizing phase change material, evaporative cooling, and utilizing fins or heat sinks to coupled the solar panels, have been proposed, none has proven entirely satisfactory, and solar panel manufacturers continue to supply solar panels without cooling mechanisms.

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